You're listening to the 1A podcast where we get to the heart of the story.

I'm Jen White.

For most of us, a house is a place to live.

A staircase is something to help us move between floors, and a door is simply a space we pass

through.

But for Carpenter Mark Allison, a house, a staircase, a doorway are opportunities for beauty.

Allison has been called many things, including the best Carpenter in New York City, and the

man who builds impossible things.

His specialty is lavish and challenging projects for the ultra wealthy.

His clients have included David Bowie and Robin Williams.

In his new book, however, Allison is less interested in these extravagant projects, and

more interested in what they've taught him.

How to build a life worth living?

The new book is called Building, a Carpenter's Notes on Life and the Art of Good Work, and

he joins me now to talk about it in studio.

Mark, welcome to the program.

It's such a pleasure to have you.

You came all the way from New York just to be here in person, so thank you.

I wanted to be here in person.

To me, that seems like the right thing to do, and it's wonderful to meet you in person.

Likewise.

Okay, so I said you've been called many things.

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